Lesson 17FOUNDATIONS OF THE FAITH
Class Notes for May 3, 2016
Rom. 13:1-14:23, Good Citizenship and a Good Conscience
Last week we began our focus on the sanctification part of our salvation. Justification is God's sovereign and unilateral work by grace through faith in someone's heart (inner being) to change that person from spiritually dead to spiritually alive enabling him or her to love Him and others, to worship, to serve and to grow in maturity. Sanctification begins immediately after justification and is pictured in Romans 12 as presenting oneself as a living sacrifice to God, a total dedication. This is the foundation of true worship.
A contrast is drawn between who we are in Christ and all that is in the world and in opposition to God. We are not to be conformed by the pressures of the world, its values, its goals, its philosophies. We are to be transformed (sanctified), from the inside out, by renewing our minds according to God's Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit to be more and more like Jesus. The core of this transformation is love: love for God and love for others. Believers are empowered by faith and given spiritual gifts for serving the Lord and building up the church. Many virtues were given as examples (Although extensive, I am sure this is not an exhaustive list), setting a very high standard for the behavior of all who claim Christ.
Chapter 13 addresses the issue of how a Christian relates to governing officials. This seems particularly pertinent as we in the U.S. are engulfed in presidential campaigns. Historical context for Paul's writings are helpful. Paul was writing this letter to the Roman church while on his third missionary journey, almost 20 years into a 30-year ministry. Nero ruled from Rome. He was not only notorious but certifiably insane. In order to please his mistress, he had his mother murdered as well as his adopted sister who refused to marry him. His desire to have a woman who was married resulted in Nero assassinating her husband. Some historians conclude that he caused a devastating fire in Rome to clear the way for a personal project, and that he blamed the Christians for the destruction, andmany died as a result of ensuing persecution. He is said to have watched the progress of the flames from the top of a high tower, singing and playing a lyre. Hence the saying, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." Later Paul would be tried by Festus (Roman governor of Judea) and Herod Agrippa who ruled from Caesarea. Ultimately Paul was sent in chains to Rome where he was imprisoned until his martyrdom in 68 A.D.
During Jesus' life, Rome was an oppressive ruler, exacting exorbitant taxes, and ruling with an "iron fist." While it was Rome's practice to allow some religious practices among the people of each province, every action was subject to Roman absolute authority, and there was always an oppressive military presence. It was the Romans who perfected the cruel punishment of crucifixion for rebels and criminals. Thousands were killed for their entertainment in the Coliseum in Rome and other arenas.
Throughout history and even today, Christians are persecuted and martyred by oppressive governments. There have been more Christian martyrs in the last 100 years than in the previous 1900 years! Yet, God's instructions to Christians still stand. Christianity is not a political or social movement, although being a Christian has political and social imperatives. In this historical context, what application does Scripture have for us today?
Rom. 13:1-7Good Citizens
There is only one good reason to be subject to governing authorities: Their authority is from God. Even in a democracy, God is absolutely sovereign. Human government’s authority is derived from and defined by God, and those who hold office are serving God, even Pharaoh as we learned in Chapter 9. Therefore, those who resist authority are denying the sovereignty of God. Opposing God brings condemnation. Resisting authority on earth also brings judgment and punishment, including capital punishment - for this it "bears the sword." Those who obey authority will not fear authority, will fulfill their obligation to God in this regard and have a clear conscience (a Biblically correct understanding of what is right and wrong). Subjection to civil authority is without regard to competency, morality, reasonableness or any other measure. The Greek word used here is the same as used for soldiers obeying superior officers. God has instituted four authorities on earth:
1. the government over all citizens;2. the church over all believers
3. parents over all their children;4. masters (employers) over all their servants (employees)
Governing authorities are God's ministers for good by restraining evil and protecting life and property.
Even the most wicked government acts as a deterrent to crime. Scripture teaches how God raised up Pharaoh and Babylon for His purposes, and Joseph's brothers meant evil while God meant their actions for good.
Peter also taught submission to authority. 1 Pet. 2:13-16. Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees concerning whether to pay taxes, and Jesus was specific: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Matt. 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17. This is why Christians pay their taxes honestly and without resentment. This command was written to individuals living in a conquered nation whose exorbitant taxes supported a foreign oppressive government. This applies to all kinds of taxes: income, property, customs, inheritance, capital gains, etc. Pay what is due - tax, custom, fear, honor. Christians are the best citizens of any country, but our primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. Phil. 3:20
Scripture, however, also identifies one exception for Christians to disobey earthly authorities: when it would require them to disobey God.
The midwives refused to drown Jewish baby boys.Ex. 1:17
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to worship idols.Dan. 3:16-18
Daniel continued to pray to God.Dan. 6:7, 10
When the Jewish Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John to cease speaking of Jesus,
they declared that they would heed God rather than man.Acts 4:18-20
Many Christians in the early church and in following years would give their lives for refusing to renounce Jesus or to disobey God's clear commands regardless of consequences.
Rom. 13:8-14The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
The core, the root and the only true motivation for a Christian life is love: Love for God, love for our neighbors, love for other Christians, and even love for our enemies. Love fulfills the Law. Matt. 23:40
And there is an urgency: Every day brings us closer to the return of Jesus. Most of us will go to Him before He comes back to earth, but we will be with Him. In these verses Paul instructs Christians to be deliberate in their sanctification: lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. This is evident in our moral behavior (v. 13) and in our spiritual maturity (v. 14).
Rom. 14:1-9Principles of Conscience
How very different we Christians are! Yet we are united in Christ. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus (4:1-6) concerning this unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The nature and extent of division among those who claim Jesus as their Lord are too numerous to even mention. We are not going to agree about everything. I would propose that there are five basic doctrines about which we cannot disagree:
1.the deity of Jesus
2.Jesus' sinless life
3.Jesus death and resurrection
4.substitutionary atonement
5.Jesus' second coming and reign
These five "points" are non-negotiable. There are some things ("pernts") about which we may agree to disagree without causing division. A "pernt" is a mathematical term which is defined as an indefinite point. In other words, the exact point is somewhere in a specified area. Among these would be mode of baptism; architecture of the church building; whether robes are required for preachers/choir members; etc.
Diversity in the church testifies of Jesus' power to bring together very different people in genuine unity. Last week we talked about different Spiritual gifts, ministries, and outcomes of those ministries. God saves all kinds of people from different races, cultures, social and financial status, intellect, abilities and status. Yet, we are all united in Christ by love for God and love for one another.
In these verses Paul is admonishing church members to be kind and considerate of one another concerning our differences. Christians are at different levels of maturing in faith. Some Jewish believers found it difficult to let go of the religious ceremonies and rituals of their past or perhaps in abandoning the rites and prohibitions of the old covenant including dietary restrictions, and some Gentile Christians who had been immersed in pagan idolatry and its rituals felt that any contact with their former practices were forbidden. Eating meat offered to idols which was sold cheaply in the market would have corrupted their new commitment to righteousness. Both groups of new believers would have very tender consciences concerning these matters, and their concerns and consciences were to be considered with sensitivity by more mature Christians.
Paul's point here is that in matters of "pernts", each believer serves the Lord with thanksgiving for Jesus' accomplished work. If a believer's motive is to please the Lord, his actions must be treated with respect, compassion and patience.
Rom. 14:10-17Judging Rightly
Christians are often accused of being judgmental: "Judge not that you be not judged." Matt. 7:1
Yet, there are standards by which righteous judgment must be given. John 7:27
First, we are instructed to examine ourselves before acting to correct someone else. Matt 7:2-5 We condemn ourselves by judging others while practicing the same sin. Rom. 2:1
Judging is necessary for church discipline and is required for a member who is clearly practicing sin and who must repent to remain in fellowship with the church. Matthew 18:15-17 gives instructions concerning how someone who is clearly violating a specific and clear command in Scripture is to be confronted with the goal of bringing that person back into fellowship with the church. Gal. 6:1
In Matthew, church discipline is practiced by first speaking with the offender one-on-one; if that is unsuccessful in bringing repentance, two or more meet with the one who should repent; and as a last resort, the person is brought before the church. Church action is to remove that person from fellowship. This is sometimes called excommunication or shunning. Outsiders, those who are not in church membership, are judged by God and not a cause for church discipline. 1 Cor. 5:11-13
v. 12 has a special admonition for all of us: we will give an account of ourselves to God. This accountability before the God who loves us, sent His Son to die for us, and who has blessed us in every spiritual blessing should be sufficient motivation for righteousness, gratitude and service.
Rom. 14:15-23Peace and Brotherly Responsibility
Loving one another means caring in a meaningful way for one another. In these verses there is particular behavior which is identified as serving Jesus among believers: love and not causing someone else to stumble (fall into sin or weakened in their convictions). Back to points and pernts: Be generous and patient concerning pernts and steadfast concerning points. Whenever possible, be at peace with one another - especially if it is up to you. God is working through His Holy Spirit in the lives of each believer. While we may be confident in our own convictions, each one of us is at a different level of maturity, and God is working individually on specific issues in each life.
One such issue in our time and culture concerns the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Many families have been devastated by alcoholism, and the Bible is specific in prohibiting drunkenness. Personal experiences with alcohol addiction, either personal, family or loved ones, may result in someone having a very strict rule of behavior for themselves and others. That is certainly understandable. However, wine with a meal or medicines with an alcohol ingredient are not forbidden by Scripture. Paul instructed Timothy to have a little wine for his stomach's sake. Here is an area where we can practice the commands of these verses concerning our responsibility toward believers with varying understandings and practices. In particular, v. 21 states that it is good to not do anything which would cause another believer to stumble.
A personal example: Leon and I are free to have wine with a meal according to Scripture. However, there are other considerations. My father was an alcoholic and I know the misery that can bring to a family. MADD makes a continual plea for people to not drink and drive which has caused so much death and destruction. Also, as Bible teachers we realize that we have greater responsibility to set a good example and not offend other believers over this issue . Our conclusion was to not drink alcoholic beverages at all. We do not, of course, pass judgment on others whether they drink or not. Their decision is to be according to their own understanding of right and wrong.
No one should be compelled to act contrary to sincerely held convictions. It is the responsibility of the church to teach, encourage and admonish believers as they are growing into maturity of faith and a deeper knowledge of God. It is in the body of believers that the fruit of the Spirit should be most evident: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23
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